Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao have secured their places in the semi-finals of the 2025/2026 Copa del Rey, setting the stage for a compelling final stage of the Spanish football tournament. The competition is now down to four teams, with Atlético Madrid and Real Betis set to contest the final quarter-final match to determine the last semi-finalist.
Barcelona advanced after a 2-1 victory against Albacete, while Athletic Bilbao mirrored that scoreline in their win over Valencia. Real Sociedad completed the trio of confirmed semi-finalists with a 3-2 triumph against Alavés. These results were confirmed by , according to reports.
The Copa del Rey has seen several surprises this season, notably Albacete’s earlier upset victory over Real Madrid in the round of 16, eliminating the 20-time tournament winners from contention. This unexpected result prevented a potential repeat of the 2025 final between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The semi-final draw is scheduled to take place on at 12:00 GMT via the official platforms of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This draw will determine the pairings for the semi-final stage, which will be contested over two legs, a departure from the single-leg knockout format used in previous rounds.
Barcelona, with 32 Copa del Rey titles, are aiming to add to their impressive record. They faced Atlético Madrid in last season’s semi-final and will be looking to navigate a potentially challenging path to the final. Athletic Club, boasting 24 titles, are also strong contenders, having recently ended a long wait for silverware in the 2023-24 season. Their current form and the prospect of a Basque derby against Real Sociedad add another layer of intrigue to the competition.
Real Sociedad’s participation represents a significant opportunity for the club to compete for a major trophy. Their quarter-final victory over Alavés demonstrated their ability to overcome tough opposition, and they will be eager to build on that momentum in the semi-finals. The outcome of the Atlético Madrid versus Real Betis match will be crucial in shaping the semi-final lineup and determining the final four teams vying for the Copa del Rey title.
The semi-final matches are scheduled to be played between and . The ultimate goal for all remaining teams is to reach the final, which will be held at La Cartuja in Seville in April.
The competition’s progression highlights the continued competitiveness of Spanish football, with teams from both La Liga and lower divisions demonstrating their ability to challenge for major honors. Barcelona’s narrow victory over Albacete, for example, underscored the difficulty of progressing in the Copa del Rey, even for the most established clubs. The tournament’s format, with its mix of single-leg knockout ties and two-legged semi-finals, adds to its drama and unpredictability.
The draw on will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it will reveal the potential paths to the final for Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao, as well as the team that emerges from the Atlético Madrid-Real Betis quarter-final. The semi-final stage promises to be a captivating contest, with each team vying for a place in the final and the chance to lift the prestigious Copa del Rey trophy.
The stakes are particularly high for Barcelona, as they seek to defend the title they won last year. Hansi Flick’s side will be hoping to maintain their momentum and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. The competition also provides an opportunity for Athletic Club and Real Sociedad to showcase their talents on a national stage and compete for a major trophy. The outcome of the Copa del Rey will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Spanish football landscape, and the final at La Cartuja in Seville is already shaping up to be a memorable occasion.
